Guides: The Spark: Overview

Overview

About Us
The Spark is a student focused service division within the UNT Libraries. As a unique combination of a hands-on experiential learning space (a makerspace) and a library circulating collection, our primary focus is providing access to a wide range of resources to not only support but enhance your UNT educational experience. Vision: The Spark’s vision is to promote the cooperative and creative use of resources to support the continual development of the maker mindset within the UNT community. As such we strive to foster innovation and exploration of –creative ideas to engage in the learning process in an inclusive and collaborative space. The Spark is committed to promoting ideals and efforts to elevate the UNT mission of "...empowering our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world" and providing learning opportunities to help our students "be innovative leaders of tomorrow". Mission: The Spark's mission is to ignite the imagination, encourage exploration, and facilitate learning at the intersection of theoretical knowledge and physical application across disciplines. The Spark endeavors to increase digital fluency, inspire explorative learning, support resume building, and encourage personal growth and development of a maker mindset. The maker mindset builds confidence in an individual's ownership of the process and understanding the connection between the challenge and the outcome. Maker-centered learning has the ability to grow an individual's skill set in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration while working in a cross-disciplinary environment. The Spark Goals: Deliver outstanding customer service to every patron in our facility Provide a welcoming innovative space for equitable access to tools and training Maintain a knowledgeable staff that can accommodate our diverse patrons' needs Nurture a culture of innovation that prioritizes safety, respect, and accountability Foster the development of lifelong learners with a maker mindset Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. You can easily identify them from their grey vests, and they will always be happy to assist you.

About Us

The Spark is a student focused service division within the UNT Libraries. As a unique combination of a hands-on experiential learning space (a makerspace) and a library circulating collection, our primary focus is providing access to a wide range of resources to not only support but enhance your UNT educational experience.

Vision:

The Spark’s vision is to promote the cooperative and creative use of resources to support the continual development of the maker mindset within the UNT community. As such we strive to foster innovation and exploration of –creative ideas to engage in the learning process in an inclusive and collaborative space. The Spark is committed to promoting ideals and efforts to elevate the UNT mission of "...empowering our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world" and providing learning opportunities to help our students "be innovative leaders of tomorrow".

Mission:

The Spark's mission is to ignite the imagination, encourage exploration, and facilitate learning at the intersection of theoretical knowledge and physical application across disciplines. The Spark endeavors to increase digital fluency, inspire explorative learning, support resume building, and encourage personal growth and development of a maker mindset. The maker mindset builds confidence in an individual's ownership of the process and understanding the connection between the challenge and the outcome. Maker-centered learning has the ability to grow an individual's skill set in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration while working in a cross-disciplinary environment.

The Spark Goals:

Deliver outstanding customer service to every patron in our facility
Provide a welcoming innovative space for equitable access to tools and training
Maintain a knowledgeable staff that can accommodate our diverse patrons' needs
Nurture a culture of innovation that prioritizes safety, respect, and accountability
Foster the development of lifelong learners with a maker mindset

Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. You can easily identify them from their grey vests, and they will always be happy to assist you.

What We Offer
Equipment that requires training will have a red asterisk*

What You Can Checkout:	What You Can Use In-Space:	What You Can Learn:
Audio Equipment PA Systems Microphones Accessories Visual Equipment Cameras Lenses Projectors Accessories Computing Equipment Laptops Accessories Electronics and Programming Equipment Arduino LittleBits Makey Makey Raspberry Pi Textiles Sewing Machines* Fiber Arts Tools Drawing Tools Pottery Tools Books	Audio / Visual Recording Booths* Computing / Printing Desktops Electronics/Robotics Soldering* Crafting Prototyping Cricut Machines* Hot Wire Cutter* Plastic Bending* Silhouette Cameo Machine* Roland DTG Printer* Vacuum Forming Machine* Machining & Manufacturing CNC Milling* Laser Cutting* Self-Service 3D Printing* 3D Scanning* Textiles Embroidery* Sewing* Serger* Tools Dell Canvas Drawing Tablet Hand Tools* Power Tools*	Software Arduino IDE Adobe Audition Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Adobe Premiere Audacity Bantam Tools Blender Cricut Design Space Cura Slicer DRAWings Easel Fusion360 Python Sketchup Solidworks TinkerCAD Unity PCB Boards DSLR Cameras/Photography Black Magic Camera

Guidelines for Use
We are excited to have you come into our spaces to learn and continue to develop new skills, building your resume, and/or enriching your college experiences. The Spark has resources that are circulating (can leave space) and some that are only available for in space use. The Spark Makerspace offers access to a variety of tools and machines that can have inherent risks. So please read carefully the information below to help you get the most out of your time in the space. It is important to understand the makerspace is not a production facility but an educational lab. Our mission is to teach you the skills/equipment to bring your project and/or ideas to life. The team does not do the work, they train individuals to use the resources they need or want to learn. Reminders for when you are ready to visit the space! Bring identification; University of North Texas Student/Staff/Faculty ID Card. Wear or bring an extra pair of closed-toe shoes and proper attire for safe use of equipment when you visit The Spark. Be prepared to complete safety and or equipment training prior to being able to use specific items. You are responsible for creating a safe space by following safety guidelines using the resources properly and how they were designed to be used You are financially responsible for the equipment checked out to you including Returning the equipment in the same or better condition than when it was checked out Lost/stolen/damages that occur while the items are checked out to you .

Guidelines for Use

We are excited to have you come into our spaces to learn and continue to develop new skills, building your resume, and/or enriching your college experiences. The Spark has resources that are circulating (can leave space) and some that are only available for in space use. The Spark Makerspace offers access to a variety of tools and machines that can have inherent risks. So please read carefully the information below to help you get the most out of your time in the space.

It is important to understand the makerspace is not a production facility but an educational lab. Our mission is to teach you the skills/equipment to bring your project and/or ideas to life. The team does not do the work, they train individuals to use the resources they need or want to learn.

Reminders for when you are ready to visit the space!

Bring identification; University of North Texas Student/Staff/Faculty ID Card.
Wear or bring an extra pair of closed-toe shoes and proper attire for safe use of equipment when you visit The Spark.
Be prepared to complete safety and or equipment training prior to being able to use specific items.

You are responsible for creating a safe space by
- following safety guidelines
- using the resources properly and how they were designed to be used
You are financially responsible for the equipment checked out to you including
- Returning the equipment in the same or better condition than when it was checked out
- Lost/stolen/damages that occur while the items are checked out to you

Spark's art mark with the words Guidelines Of Use in the center, surrounded by colorful tool icons.

Exercise Compassion

Be kind and understanding when using the space. The makerspace is a safe space for people from all walks of life to learn, tinker and make. Individuals found to be disrespectful of the space, hateful in any form to other users or employees of The Spark, and/or abusive to machines/equipment or others will be evicted from the facility. Use of the makerspace is a privilege that can be revoked.

Deliberate Safety

We value being able to train and then get to use equipment that many may see as dangerous. An important part of using the makerspace is completing proper training and using best practices with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and behavior choices.

Proper training completed
Wear proper PPE
Inspect space and equipment for any safety issues

Leave It How You Want To Meet It

The Spark locations are shared spaces open to all of the UNT community. Removing mess and cleaning up debris helps maintain safety within the space. Make sure to allow time to pick and return tools or accessories that were used. Report any maintenance needs, sweep/use the shop vac to clean up the area, and wipe down the machine/workbench used.

Graciously Reflect and Review

We want to hear about your experience in The Spark! We strive to offer our patrons a fulfilling experience and are always looking for ways to improve. Reach out and tell us the good, bad, and the ugly. We look forward to hearing from you!

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, UNT POLICY AND PROCEDURE MEMORANDUM.

RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICES
The Spark reserves the right to refuse services to any patron who acts irresponsibly by disrupting the use of the facilities or by being disrespectful to other patrons or to a SPARK employee. Any SPARK employee can exercise the right to refuse service when confronted by a patron acting irresponsibly. Irresponsible behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

Rudeness including loud and offensive language.
Unreasonable demands for service.
Being under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol.
Not following proper protocols for use of equipment
Threatening or erratic behavior.

NOTICES OF POLICIES & POLICY VIOLATIONS
According to the Dean of Students, it is not the responsibility of SPARK employees to educate patrons on the policy and procedures. SPARK employees may inform a patron of specific policies or policy violations.

If a patron is found to be abusing a policy or exhibiting disruptive behavior in the facility, a verbal warning will be issued.
After one warning is issued, the patron will be asked to leave the facility.
The patron is expected to leave the facility immediately.
If the patron fails to leave, the police will be called to escort the patron from the facility.
If a patron is found to be participating in illegal behavior or activities, the police will be called immediately.
When an abusive or disruptive pattern is discovered, the patron will be banned from the facilities for the remainder of the semester. Additionally, the patron’s file will be forwarded to the Dean of Students to be added to the student’s permanent record.
Remember that use of the computer lab is a privilege, and privileges can be revoked.

DATES
Approved: 07/04/12
Revised: 01/12/17

LICENSE INFORMATION
This Policy: "24 Student Computing Center @ the Library Disciplinary Action Plan" by UNT Libraries is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Circulation
In The Spark some machines/services/training may expose patron to possible dangers, and therefore all users must go through a general safety and specific equipment training when applicable. A number of machines are available for in-space use only. Although many items in The Spark collection are circulating, there are special loan periods, booking procedures, renewal rules, and fine rates that apply. Makerspace project requests are subject to The Spark’s review/approval process. Spark items can be costly and it is the responsibility of the patron to return items in the same or better condition than they were when checked out.

Circulation

In The Spark some machines/services/training may expose patron to possible dangers, and therefore all users must go through a general safety and specific equipment training when applicable. A number of machines are available for in-space use only. Although many items in The Spark collection are circulating, there are special loan periods, booking procedures, renewal rules, and fine rates that apply. Makerspace project requests are subject to The Spark’s review/approval process.

Spark items can be costly and it is the responsibility of the patron to return items in the same or better condition than they were when checked out.

Bookable Equipment

Equipment that is only available through booking requests. Items that fall under bookable have the following circulating rules:

Available to: UNT currently enrolled students (Undergrad, grad, Doctoral, Honors, and TAMS), Faculty (regular UNT Denton faculty), Staff (active UNT Denton staff)
Loan Period: 4 days
Renewals Allowed: no
Check Out Limits: 1 camera, 2 lenses max
Fines Rate: $10.00 per day, $100.00 maximum fine
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron

Circulating Equipment

Equipment from The Spark collection that is available through the catalog and available to leave space are circulating items. Items that fall under circulating equipment have the following circulating rules:

Available to: UNT currently enrolled students (Undergrad, grad, Doctoral, Honors, and TAMS), Faculty (regular UNT Denton faculty), Staff (active UNT Denton staff)
Loan Period: varies
Renewals Allowed: yes, if no holds
Fines Rate: Depending on Equipment
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron

In-Space Equipment

Equipment that is for use within the defined area of the makerspace is considered in-space use. Items that fall under in space have the following circulating rules:

Available to: UNT currently enrolled students (Undergrad, grad, Doctoral, Honors, and TAMS), Faculty (regular UNT Denton faculty), Staff (active UNT Denton staff)
Loan Period: varies based on equipment
Renewals Allowed: yes, if no one is waiting
Check Out Limits: 1 item
Fines Rate: $10.00 per hour, $100.00 maximum fine
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron
Safety & Use Training Required
Exception: Hand tools can leave space

Service based Equipment

Equipment that is for use within the makerspace and requires a trained Maker at every use is the service based equipment. Items that fall under service based equipment requires a monitored operator appointment and have the following use rules:

Available to: UNT currently enrolled students (Undergrad, grad, Doctoral, Honors, and TAMS), Faculty (regular UNT Denton faculty), Staff (active UNT Denton staff)
USE: Will be subject to review and approval
Production Limits: 1 item
Materials: Supplied by the patron and must include a test piece
- Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron

Paid Services

Premium Service 3D printing is a paid service. You can find more information here.

The Spark @ Willis Llibrary
The Spark's founding location is in the Willis Library centrally located on the main UNT Campus in Denton. In 2014 we started out as The Factory and through the growth and development of our space we have grown and rebranded as The Spark. The Willis location places a strong emphasis on fostering a dynamic learning environment within the heart of the library. The Spark in Willis Library is located on the first floor on the north wall across from the printers and is the 24hr service desk for the building. The Spark service desk is Willis is the desk that is responsible for the 24hr building operations. The desk is an information hub for services available throughout the Library and includes the makerspace services, collection access for Spark circulating resources, and space/building management services.

The Spark @ Willis Llibrary

The Spark's founding location is in the Willis Library centrally located on the main UNT Campus in Denton. In 2014 we started out as The Factory and through the growth and development of our space we have grown and rebranded as The Spark. The Willis location places a strong emphasis on fostering a dynamic learning environment within the heart of the library. The Spark in Willis Library is located on the first floor on the north wall across from the printers and is the 24hr service desk for the building.

The Spark service desk is Willis is the desk that is responsible for the 24hr building operations. The desk is an information hub for services available throughout the Library and includes the makerspace services, collection access for Spark circulating resources, and space/building management services.

Upcoming Events in Willis

The Spark @ Discovery Park
The Spark @ Discovery Park is our branch location at UNT Denton's Discovery Park Campus and is open to all UNT students, faculty and staff. Recently relocated to the B wing to connected to the main Discovery Park Library, we are excited to be in B135. The Discovery Park location offers a number of design stations and tools to explore a wide variety of artistic making and project builds. To further align our service points and our role as part of the library some technology services at Discover Park have transferred to the Spark service desk. Most significantly is the laptops are now available at the Spark service desk as Discovery Park. In order to use any Spark location, a patron must have a signed liability waiver on file. Circulating materials are available from The Spark service desk and a UNT ID is required in order to check out. In space equipment requires training please refer to the Trainings & Workshops page. All those entering the space will need to have their UNT ID and check in at The Spark service desk No food is allowed in the main Center areas or the Makerspace Drinks must have a closed lid and remain closed when not in use Resources Our Discovery Park location offers many resources to support UNT students. The collection is comprised of in space equipment, as well as kits available for check out. The circulating materials housed in this location are those that have been in higher demand at Discovery Park. However, all Spark circulating items can be transferred to Discovery Park for pick up as needed. Hours During Library hours for the Discovery Park Library please enter The Spark through the Library. The Spark hours if outside of the Library hours will have the door to the hallway open for access. The Hours of Operation for each Spark group is listed in the Library calendar. Please note the Makerspace has three locations, one in Willis 150 and one in Discovery Park B135, and one in Frisco Landing 150.

The Spark @ Discovery Park

The Spark @ Discovery Park is our branch location at UNT Denton's Discovery Park Campus and is open to all UNT students, faculty and staff. Recently relocated to the B wing to connected to the main Discovery Park Library, we are excited to be in B135. The Discovery Park location offers a number of design stations and tools to explore a wide variety of artistic making and project builds.

To further align our service points and our role as part of the library some technology services at Discover Park have transferred to the Spark service desk. Most significantly is the laptops are now available at the Spark service desk as Discovery Park.

In order to use any Spark location, a patron must have a signed liability waiver on file. Circulating materials are available from The Spark service desk and a UNT ID is required in order to check out. In space equipment requires training please refer to the Trainings & Workshops page.

All those entering the space will need to have their UNT ID and check in at The Spark service desk
No food is allowed in the main Center areas or the Makerspace
Drinks must have a closed lid and remain closed when not in use

Resources

Our Discovery Park location offers many resources to support UNT students. The collection is comprised of in space equipment, as well as kits available for check out. The circulating materials housed in this location are those that have been in higher demand at Discovery Park. However, all Spark circulating items can be transferred to Discovery Park for pick up as needed.

Hours

During Library hours for the Discovery Park Library please enter The Spark through the Library. The Spark hours if outside of the Library hours will have the door to the hallway open for access. The Hours of Operation for each Spark group is listed in the Library calendar. Please note the Makerspace has three locations, one in Willis 150 and one in Discovery Park B135, and one in Frisco Landing 150.

The Spark @ Frisco Landing
The Spark @ Frisco Landing is our second branch location designed to support the collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit embodied at UNT Frisco. In this location, The Spark has a service desk that operates the same hours as the building, however, our maker trainings and workshops run during a slightly reduced schedule. All hours are posted on the library's website at Hours of Operation. Laptops, boardgames, dry erase markers are available from the Frisco Service Desk, as well as a range of maker tools that are available for checkout. For designing and making machines the Frisco Landing locations boasts a laser, 3D printers, CNCs, a Circuit machine, sewing and embroidery, a PA system, and a range of other maker tools. Come by for a tour at anytime. One space that is available for reservation in our Frisco location is the Audio/Visual room. The AV Room 150B at Spark Frisco is a Multi camera studio, with a flexible configuration. Students can book the room after training. The training will include how to use the equipment in the room as well as the Blackmagic cinema cameras. After training a student can book the room with one camera. A group of trained students can book the room and additional BM cinema camera kits. For maximum of a 3-camera recording setup. Booking times are limited at two-hour block during makerspace hours. Some features of the room include a Alienware desktop for streaming and editing recorded video. A 4-camera switch board. That allows a team of student to change camera feed live during the recording. The live feed can be viewed by the two monitors for the switch board operator and the talent. The AV Room is equipped with a desktop condenser mic for recording audio and a 6-foot wooden tabletop to present material. The AV room also has a black backdrop by default but can be swapped for a green screen by request. Have you been trained on using our A/V room? Are you wanting to book the room? To do so go here

The Spark @ Frisco Landing

The Spark @ Frisco Landing is our second branch location designed to support the collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit embodied at UNT Frisco.

In this location, The Spark has a service desk that operates the same hours as the building, however, our maker trainings and workshops run during a slightly reduced schedule. All hours are posted on the library's website at Hours of Operation.

Laptops, boardgames, dry erase markers are available from the Frisco Service Desk, as well as a range of maker tools that are available for checkout. For designing and making machines the Frisco Landing locations boasts a laser, 3D printers, CNCs, a Circuit machine, sewing and embroidery, a PA system, and a range of other maker tools. Come by for a tour at anytime.

One space that is available for reservation in our Frisco location is the Audio/Visual room. The AV Room 150B at Spark Frisco is a Multi camera studio, with a flexible configuration. Students can book the room after training. The training will include how to use the equipment in the room as well as the Blackmagic cinema cameras. After training a student can book the room with one camera. A group of trained students can book the room and additional BM cinema camera kits. For maximum of a 3-camera recording setup. Booking times are limited at two-hour block during makerspace hours. Some features of the room include a Alienware desktop for streaming and editing recorded video. A 4-camera switch board. That allows a team of student to change camera feed live during the recording. The live feed can be viewed by the two monitors for the switch board operator and the talent. The AV Room is equipped with a desktop condenser mic for recording audio and a 6-foot wooden tabletop to present material. The AV room also has a black backdrop by default but can be swapped for a green screen by request.

Have you been trained on using our A/V room? Are you wanting to book the room? To do so go here

AV room with a lightboard and blackout curtains. Two computer monitors next to each other for editing purposes. Revolution Lightboard and Blackmagic control board plugged to a computer.